Solitude Ascension

The commotion outside my place of hiding has died down, I believe they've come to assume that I have long since fled.
 
This will give me time to probe the findings of that self-assured mage, as I had little opportunity to seek anything from his studies afore the raid on his home began.
 
I dare not take my chances though. These people are well equipped and may even have the means to send me back to the abyss if I am not careful.
 
I muster up a simple flame of pure potential. Within minutes there is movement, and the more simpler forms of those from my realm begin to gather, their miniscule shapes dancing in the flickering light.
 
"Go. Bring me the writings of the mage in the settlement below. And I shall guide you to more places where you may find aether to feed."
 
Their flitting and cackling assured me they understood.
 
As the night approached they returned, their glamours successfully keeping the general public unaware. Tomes in hand they laid them out in front of me. I teased forth a tendril of existence and gave them their rewards. Stone cracked around me as their aether fled. I must be quick with my work or the signs of my tampering will soon regain the people's suspicions.
 
Alas, the speed at which I wanted to obtain would be beyond me. The mage's writings were heavily detailed, full of the same self-assured speech and dictation of one who felt they knew more about the world than they really did. As tedious as it was, there had to be something of use.
 
Time continued according to the reckoning of this world.
 
And after what felt almost as if I had returned to the still as the endless night I was sealed within, I found an answer.